The Sun. — London, England, 1838-01-13 00:00:00

COTTON-SPINNERS TRIAL. sent when Smith's deposition was rondo in the infirmary, Smith was sensible at that time. He deliberately and cor rectly answered the questions. The doctors brought back the bullets with a flattened one, which they said they took out of the man's body. Identified the flattened bullet. The bullets he got from the sheriff were precisely like those now shown. Anthony Nish, messenger-at-arms, corroborated the greater part of Mr. Salmond's evidence as to the apprehension of the prisoners. We abridge the following important trial from the Glasgow Argus of Thursday, which pays the following well-merited compliment to the Caledonian Mercury.] COTTON SPINNERS' TRIAL. That we are able to present our readers with so full a report of this important trial, we owe to the liberal communication of s lips from the Caledonian Mercury—a journal whose least praise it is, that, along with great talent in its editorial depart ment, it contains uniformly the most full and accurate private London correspondence of any journal in Scotland; and that on the occasion of the Peel banquet, it achieved, with its own Reporters, a report more full and early than ever before bad been effected by any provincial journal. For entire absence of a narrow-minded exclusive spirit—for its readiness to assist and communicate information to its brethren of the press, on all occasions—the Mercury is unparalleled. Alexander Cunningham— Searched the house of Hackett. Found certain documents, which he identified. They were letters and parts of letters. James Moat was the next witness called ; but before he was sworn, Mr. ANDERSON, on behalf of the panels, objected to his ad missibility, on the ground that a reward of one hundred pounds in addition to a reward of five hundred pounds by the Sheriff of Lanarkshire, had been offered by Lord John Russell, on the part of the Crown, " for such information and evidence as might lead to the discovery and conviction of the murderer or murderers" of the man Smith. An undue bias was thus given to the witness to render his evidence such as would entitle him to the reward offered. HIGH COURT OF JUSTICIARY. EDINBURGH. WEDNESDAY, Jas. 8. This day the postponed trial of Thomas Hunter, Peter Heckett, Richard .111‘1Veill, James Gibb, and IVni. .APLean, cotton-spinners, for illegal combination, assault, fire-raising, and murder, was again brought forward. The indictment on this occasion was in the form of criminal letters, containing few if any additional charges. It set forth that several years ago— the precise time unknown—a great number of cotton-spinners formed themselves into a combination for the purpose of keep ing up the price of wages ; and, more effectually to attain their object, they administered to each other a secret oath bind , ing the members to execute every task which the majority might impose ; and the said association resolved from time to time to strike work, and on these occasicns they appointed cer tain of their number to be a guard committee to watch the cot ton mills where work was struck, and by means of menaces, molestation, and threats, to deter others from working in the said mills—of which several specific instances were brought forward ; and, that the perpetrators of said crimes might es cape justice, they procured law-agents, or other persons, to become cautioners in the bail-bond required to be executed for the appearance of the accused to stand trial, and placed in their hands the amount in money of the penalty to be paid in forfei ture by the flight and fugitation of the accused. Another charge was, that they had conspired to write threatening, letters to the masters and managers, M. Neill being specifically charged with writing one of those letters, and also with having forcibly invaded the dwelling-houses of the workmen, and assault ing them, for the purpose of deterring them from taking work. And that, in order to carry this object into effect, they appointed a secret select committee, the names of which were kept secret from the general members, and are unknown to the prosecutor. And that the prisoners were all members of the said association in January, 1337, and were so at the dates of the crimes libelled ; and that, some time in 1837, Thomas Hunter was chosen president of said association, Peter Hac kett, Treasurer, Richard M`Neill, Secretary, and James Gibb, assistant Secretary; and William M•Lean was appointed a member of the guard committee. The indictment then went on to relate the specific facts, lece.inning . with the strike of work in April, 1837, (as we published them when the trial nas formerly brought forward.) It charged Thomas Hunter, the President, with hating proposed the secret committee, and the other prisoners a ith having_ been present at the meeting. and concurring in the appointment of said committee. The charge of murder was to the effect that, on the 22d July, 1837. the secret committee, and the four prisoners as parties, did instigate M'Lean to assassinate a cotton-spinner, by shooting him with a pistol, for the sum of 201. ; and accordingly, on the same night, M'Lean procee led, armed with a pistol, and in Clyde-street of Anderston, Glasgow, discharged the pistol at the person of John Smith, residing in a tenement called Houldswoeth's Barracks, in Cheaeside of Anderston ; and the seeid shot took effect on the person of the said John Smith, and one of the bullets penetrated his back, and mortally emended him, in consequence of whi c h he died. The letters then proceeded to charge the crime sexiest ail the prisoners. There were 33 documents and instruments libelled to be produced on the trial ; an l 91 witnesses summoned on the part of the Crown, and.be in exculpation. The indictment having been read over, the 'prisoners se verally pleaded Not Guilty. Mr. D. M‘NeeeL then rose on the part of the prisoners, to object to the relevancy of the indictment. After analysing the structure and principle of the indictment, Mr. M'Neill stated an objection to the charge of murder. It was doubtless competent, under such a charge, to libel too alternative charges—that the murder was committed in one of two ways; but here the prosecutor had libelled two copulative charges. In the first, the four prisoners were alleged to have hired M'Lean to commit the murder ; but in the second, then were ell charged with the murder directly, cr art and pat t After stating some other ehjactions, the Solicitor-General replied, when the Court sustained the objection. The second charge of murder was then withdrawn with consent of the prosecutor; and the indict. - nent, with this exception, was held relevant. The Jury was then impannellA JAn Graham, farmer, Whitburn. Smith Ferguson, silk : mercer, James' Square. John Eggo, merchant, Charlotte -street, Leith. Henry Lediard, Viewfield-cottage, county of Edinturgb. William Smith, agent, Merton-street, Leith. George Bayne, merchant, Dunbar. George Oxley, hatter, Canongate. Robert Martin, grocer, East Calder. John Clark, grocer, Castle-street. Robert White, meal-dealer, Bathgete. Thomas Stevenson, brush-maker, South College-street. Alexander Stoddart, farmer, Ingliston Mains. David Ridpath, confectioner, Nicolson street. Mathew Frier, baker, St. Petrick-square. William Burton, wright, Celington. There were seventeen jurymen challenged on the p a rt o the prisoners. The LORD JUSTICE CLERK said, from the great importance of this case, it was equally for the interest of the prisoners and of the public that no part of the evidence should be published till the verdict of the jury was given. Sheriff Moir, and Mr. Salmond, Procurator Fiscal, proved the declaration of the prisoners, and the deposition of John Smith, the person murdered. Mr. Salmond was again called.—Was present when the prisoners, when the exception of M'Lean, were apprehended. They were apprehended in the house of William Smith, Black lay-close, Gallowgate-street, Glasgow. Mr. Sheriff Alison, Mr. Nish, Captain Miller of the police, and a number of po lice officers, were present. There were in the close a number of people, seemingly cotton-spinners, when we went. The Sheriff, with Captain Miller and Mr. Nish, had been before NV tness ; and when be went in, the Sheriff and Captain Miller had gone up a small wooden stair, and, when witness got up, they were at a loss to find the room. They at last discovered a room—thinks he was the first that entered, and the prisoner Hunter was sitting on a chair at the end of a table ; his back was to the door of the room. Witness asked if he was the Preses, and he said yes. Hackett was near the upper end of the table, and to a side ; thinks Gibb was lying asleep on somethiag like a sofa, at least he appeared to be asleep. Mac- Neill was not in that room, if he remembers right ; but he was got in an adjoining room in the same house, where his wife also was. Witness saw him brought into the room, but did not see him apprehended, he was standing at the door. There might be six or seven persons in the room besides ; they were all talken into custody. A search was made of that room, and also of a large room they called the Committee-room. Some money was found on Hackett's person ; Mr. Nish found it, but witness saw it taken ; thinks it was 101. and a shilling. He mentioned that the 101. belonged to the Association, but the shilling was his own. The money consisted of some bank notes. Took a note of the money in his day-book, and has ade extract of that now ; part was in notes and part in silver, but he claimed only one of the shillings as his own. The mo ney was afterwards claimed on the part of the Association. Witness thinks it was one John Trotter who got it. Found some papers on the table of the small room. There was also a book lying open before Hackett, and when witness took it up he said it was his. We went to the large or Committee Room, where there was an iron safe standing on a frame ; it was locked ; Peter Hackett gave us the key; there were some books in it, and a wooden lockfast place in the frame, which required three keys to open it. We got one key from Peter Hackett, and on asking who had the others he said he did not know who had them. It was forced open at that time, and we found in it a sort of minute with a large red seal appended in stead of signatures. There was also one book in particular, of small size ; there were two or three books. Found large books, but can not speak specially where they were found. All these witness can identify. (The witness identified them accordingly.) Found some printed papers in one of the drawers of the desk. There were more copies than o ese. Being shown a placard, he identified it as one. As Fiscal of the county, information was given to him of an out rage on a horse occupied as a lodging by one Donocy, in July last. He got the information about noon of the Ist July, on the day it happened ; went immediately to the spot, and pre cognosced in the neighbourhood ; ordered a search in conse quence for Riddle M'Manus, and Nl‘Caffie or Cohen, besides other three that witness understood had gone off with them. Reported the precognition to the Crown agent. These three persons were indicted to stand trial at the next Circuit of Glasgow. Being shown an indictment, he identified it. Being shown a sentence of outlawry against these persons, he identi fied it. Has since received information against three persons. Cannot recollect the precise date, but it is within a month. In consequence of the information, he sent to Manchester to ap prehend Riddle, and he is now in Glasgow Gaol ; he is in dicted for the same offence. Being shown a tin canister, witness identified it as being that which he received from Mr. James Wood, cotton-spinner in Bridgeton ; received it in consequence of a reported outrage. Witness went to the Spa to inquire, and Mr. Wood handed him the cannister. The date was about [4th July. As soon as he had got to Glas gow, he went to every tin-smith in Glasgow to see if they had sold such a thing, and John Ferguson, tin-smith in Stock well-street, on the same night, identified it as having been made by him. Being shown a document, he identified it as a petition and complaint made by him against David Keddie, and contains the procedure in court on _that . occasion. The charge against the accused is one under . what is called Flume's Act or the Combination Act, authorising k a summKaervnvic tion before the sheriff, for molesting w a o s r an m e e n n t ; on his behalf; be found guilty. Xr. Gemmel attended 0 he is sitting here to-day. After the prisonerbeui( bewas found guilty Mr. Gemmel proposed that sentence s .. delayed .. ; and l be w ou ld use his influence. lie said he wo uld use it influence Pith the committee to put an end to the molestation of the workmen. Sentence was delayed in consequence ;at one tim e it was adjourned for a week. Knows. a roan named John Sheriff; he is shopman to Mr. 24`Dougal 1 ? he Arcade. Had occasion to inouire at him about selling Smith had been ptsttol-bullets. Got _from him two 'bullets. It was shortly after shot on the 22d of July ; and I gave the bullets to the medi_ Was pre cal gentlemen who gem to examine Smith's body. The SOLICITOR-GENERAL having replied, Their LORDSHIPS on the Bench then consulted together for a few moments ; after which they severally stated their opi nions at length against the objection—the sum of which was, that the admissibility of witnesses under such circumstances, was fully consulted by the law of Scotland. The Lord Justice Clerk then repelled the objection, and the Court proceeded to examine James Moat; preliminary to which, Lord Moncrieff renewed the assurance already given by the Lord Advocate of the full protection of the law. He then proceeded to state that he is a cotton spinner ; has been so for more than twenty years ; be longs to the Association of cotton-spinners ; was initiated more than two years ago. By being initiated, he means he was taken to a public-house, and there sworn to conceal the pro ceedings of the Association, and to stand by the resolutions of the majority. The oath he believes, has since then continued to be administered to new members. Witness has never ceased to be a member of the Association since he entered, except for three years, during which time he first ceased to pay in 1830 ; was not re-sworn on entering at that time. Witness has seen others sworn since he first became a member, but does not remember having seen any one sworn since 1830. He knows, however, that it is the rule of the Association to swear in members on their first entering. Witness aas a mem ber of the supply committee at one time, perhaps about 1822 or 1823 ; was also a member of the Supply Commit tee, which was appointed during the last strike. In ordin ary circumstances, mid where there is no strike, there is only one committee—the finance—for managing for general pm-- poses; but, when particular circumstances arise, Special Com mittees are appointed. A general strike took place at the end of 1826, at which time a Supply Committee was ap pointed. The Supply Committee was different from the Finance Committee. As far as his knowledge leads, he would say that the object of that Committee was to collect supplies from the Members, and, in short, to take the chief manage ment of the concerns of the Association. Witness does not recollect of a Guard Committee being appointed in 1824, or before 1837. There was a Secret Committee in existence, he thinks, in 1324. The Secret Committee was appointed out of the District Committees. Witness never saw a Se cret Committee appointed afterwards, but heard a new method of election proposed in 1837 ; he heard it pie posed on the last night he was with the Supply Com mittee. The mode proposed was, as he understood, that the delegates rep , esenting each work should bring in name of an individual belonging to his work with him, and these names being all put into a hat, three names should be drawn out, and then those whose names were so drawn, should be appointed secret committee men. Witness recollects of one Carnie being burned with vitriol ; he does not recollect the particular year, but thinks it was about 1822 or 1823. It was after that action was done that witness has a member of the Finnic. , Co-ernittee. He was, however, a member within a year after etlat 15'1.3 done. lie recollects, when a number of the prisoners and individuals composing the whole Committee were sitting together, that orders were given to tell the individual who through this action got aliment from the association, that he got it For God's sake. What witness understood by that was, that he received it, but not because he deserved it in the opinion of that Committee, who were opposed to the action. The general rule was to give 123. a-week of aliment for twelve months, and those indi.dduals received that. That allowance was given to individuals who did certain sersices. There were two in dividuals receiving aliment who were active in accelerating the interests of the trade ; but the aliment was always given for services of some kind or another. In cases when a partial strike took place in a particular work, and when the meater reese 1 to employ those who struck, they were put upon ali ment; unmarried men received 103., and married nien 12t. a week, to the bast of his recollection. Patrick Milne, and a lad of the name of Macdonald, and another of the name of Kean, received aliment at that time. The ground upon which these men received aliment was, that they were con nected with the burning of the young man with vitriol. Whether there being off work was another reason, he could not say ; but it was current in the Committee, that they got it because of their connection with the burning. Witness was a member of the Supply Committee in 1837. The last strike commenced in the beginning of April of that year. The Supply Committee was the first Committee ap pointed, and in that Committee the Finance Committee merged. Witness was not then in very good health, and he was also reluctant that the strike should take place. Ile, therefore, did not attend very frequently, and did not see the various Committees appointed. Witness knows, however, that there was a Guard Committee appointed, the chief design of which was to manage the guards placed ouer the different mills. The name of one of the members of the Guard Committee, he remembers, is John Trotter. The duty of the guards placed over the different mills, he would say, from his knowledge, of the invariable practice which prevailed, was, if occasion offered, to reason with individuals who took work at reduced wages, and, if necessary, to threaten, intimidate, and offer violence to them. It was the duty of the Guard Committee to see that these guards did their duty. Members of the association were subjected to fines, if they did not accept the offices to which they were appointed. Among those who were at this time members of the Finance Committee, which merged in the Supply Committee, were Angus Campbell, Richard M'Neill (one of the panels), James Munro, Robert Greenhill, John M`Caffie, a man of the name of Sydserf, Thomas Hunter (one of the prisoners), James Gibb (one of the prisoners), John Bun yan, and Peter Hackett (one of the prisoners). Witness recollects a public meeting of operatives being held in Glas gow-green in June last ; it was on that night the secret Com- mittee was appointed. The purpose of meeting in the Green, according to the placard calling it, was to procure "immediate and permanent relief" to the operatives gene rally. Witness was present at the meeting in the evening ; it was a meeting of select delegates, and it took place in Wm. Smith's, in the Black Boy-close, in the Gallowgate. There might be about forty delegates present. The meeting was called by the Committee. Delegates were called from every shop. It was at that meeting the Secret Committee was appointed. The prisoner James Gibb was in the chair. The proposal of the Secret Committee was introduced by the prisoner Thomas Hunter, whose language was ambiguous, but witness understood Hunter's object to be to get a more el eient mode of gaining the object of the Association. Hunter did not speak out openly what that mode was which he wanted, nor did he state pointedly what the object was he had in view, though it was generally understood by those who had been any time members. Hunter did not even mention the word secret committee ; it was John Davis who moved for a zecret committee. The motion was seconded, but he does not re collect by whom. It was, carried almost unanimo us ly. A man of the name of 11 , PGowan objected to it, and said he con- sidered it disgraceful. Witness himself also opposed it on the ground that it would raise fresh suspicions against the men in the minds of the masters, and make them more determined in opposing the men than ever. From witness's knowledge of the affairs of the Association, and what he had heard in the meetings, he would say that the chief design of the Secret Committee was to destroy life and property. (This produced a great sensation in the Court.) That was the ground upon which witness refused to go into the resolutions ; and he used several arguments, to show that they could not possibly alter the present position of their affairs by such conduct. Witness haver attended any Committee meeting after that. James M'Neish attempted to answer one of witness's argu ments, which was, that his knowledge of natural rights was such, that if any deed of violence were done, the thinking part of the community would be against them. M'Neish said he did not understand witness's argument, and said he did not believe it to be true. 'Witness did not argue upon the ground of the injustice of violent measures, but upon their inexpe diency; and the reason of this was, that they would not have listened to him for a moment, but would have laughed at him if he had done so. Witness had some conversation with Rich. M'Neil that night when going home. Witness repeated his arguments, and M‘Neil alluded to the bad conduct of Mr. Arthur, the manager of the Adelphi Mill, and said it would justify any measure that might be resorted to by the Associa tion. Witness does not remember if M'Neill mentioned what measures should be resorted to. M'Neill also said that night, that Mr. Neil Thomson, proprietor of the Adelphi Mill, had left the country for fear of what might be done by the spinners. The Adelphi had at that time struck work. M'Neil said he considered that the appointment of the secret committee would be efficacious in gaining the object of the Association in intimidating the masters ; that it would compel other mas ters to leave the country, or force them into their terms. Wit ness had no other conversation with M'Neil on that subject, and does not recollect any more that passed at that time. Witness saw Gibbs several weeks after the secret committee was appointed. Gibbs said that it had been reported that he (witness) had left the supply because he considered that the strike would be "no go." Witness repeated that it would be " no go ;" and added, that the trade knew very well his sen timents regarding a secret committee, and that he would never have any thing to do with the Association so long as a secret committee was in existence. Gibb said nothing had been done yet. Witness said it was from the want of funds ; Gibb admitted that it was, and said that, seeing the way in which the Association bad been used by the masters, although opposed to the pPm of a Secret Committee at one time himself, he would now become one of them. Gibb did not say he was one. Peter Hacket Vries in England at the time of the ap pointment of the Secret Committee. Of the prisoners, Thomas Hunter and Peter Hackett were among the oldest Members of the Association ; M'Neil had only been for a few years a member, and Gibb eight or nine yeass. Witness knows that there is a certificate called a " free line," some times given to members of the Association. When a mem ber removes from one mill to another, a line signed by three belonging to the mill which he is leaving, is sent to the com mittee, sa)ing whether he is free of debt or nut. Witness was here shown a certifleite, bearing to be in favour of William THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 1838. McLean, and to be dated" Committee-Rocms, July 11, 1537," and to be signed " Thomas Hunter," "James Gibb," "Peter Hackett," and " Richard McNeill," and having the stamp of the trade affixed to it. That was not an ordinary free line. The certificate in his hand bears that W. McLean had always done his duty, and that the subscribers recom - mended him to all their friends. This is a line from the Association itself; the ordinary free lines were not stamped. Witness was next shown a large account-book or ledger, which he said was the book in which the instalments and debts of members were set down. There is one entry show ing that W. McLean is 7s. 9d. in debt. The date of that is November, 1835. There is another entry, dated January, 1836, showing that he was then 13s. 9d. in debt. Under date February 15, it is also stated that he had left the work where he had contracted the debt. Witness was next shown a paper book, containing minutes Or memorandums, and other entries, beginning 17th May, 1837, and ending June 16, 1837, from which he read a minute of a general meeting of the Association, which he believes to be in Gibb's hand -writing, bearing that it was unanimously resolved that the names of all the nobs should be printed, and copies sent to all the mills in Scotland, England, and Ireland ; and that a persecuting Committee should be appointed to persecute them to the utmost. Witness supposes that the prisoners Hunter, Gibb, Hacket, and M'Neill, formed the Secret Committee, and that it was in that capacity they had given McLean the certificate formerly read. Witness was now shown another book, in which he said the daily expense of the Supply Committee was set dovin. James Munro often kept that book, but it was not always kept by the same hand. Witness read an entry bearing to be expenses for nobs 191. It had no date. From witness's knowledge of the entries in that book, he considers that the money here referred to had been spent eithor in reasoning with the nobs, and treating them with drink, or in paying some one to maltreat them. Witness was next shown some schedules, which he said contained the fortnightly income and expenditure of the Association. He was also shown an aliment-book, which he said was kept by Richard Nl•Neill. rite to give a certificate—it must come from the work they work in. Being shown a document, he says that is sighed by the four prisoners, Hunter, Hackett, M'Neill, and Gibb. Does not know the handwriting. It is not in the usual style of free lines. Considered from it, that M'Lean and the four men had been conjunct in something or other, that he needed to leave the country for it—witnessnever saw such a line given in any other way. The secret committee have the power of granting such lines—they have an absolute power. Being shown a Bible, witnessed turned up the chapter in Revelations where the word " Armageddon" is to be seen. The page is soiled as if thumbed by frequent use; as was also the page in Isaiah, where the word " Ashdod" is to be found. From the title page, the Bible was printed in the year 1825. Being shown some documents, he identified them as schedules, similar to those he spoke of in the early part of his examination. Being shown a memorandum, he read an entry—" Expenses with nobs, 191." Knew several members of the Association who acted as guards —Andrew Davidson and John Morrison. Has seen Walter Morrison acting as a master of the guards. Does not recol lect any more. Never saw M'Lean acting as a guard. Saw Walter Morrison come up to see if the guards were all on, and doing their duty ; has seen him give orders to the guards, from which witness concluded he was a member of the Guard Committee. Remembers the day when John Smith was shot. Saw M'Lean on that day down by the Broomielaw. James M'Donald and James or John Keith were with him. Saw Keith and M'Donald again in the evening, between six and seven, at the foot of Coburg-lane, in Laurieston, on the oppo site side of the water. They were just parting when witness saw them, and heard them agree to meet again that same evening, but could not say positively at what hour. Did not hear them mention where they would meet. M'Lean had on a pair of light trowsers, and a long coat, as witness thinks ; he wore a common round black hat. They were walking on the quay of the Broomielaw. Cross-examined—Two people were present with witness when he saw M'Quarrie shot. Could not say exactly where either of them now are; they were both at Johnston when witness last heard of them. Lochray had dropped the spin- Lochray went home to Bridgeton after the shot , and Easdale and witness kept a piece behind M'Quarrie, following him on the Green. Loehray was standing at witness's left side when Campbell fired. He was able to see the shot fired; and witness saw both shots. There were two shots fired ; the party had three pistols, that is, O'Callaghan, Campbell, and Dunagh. O'Callaghan did not fire the shut at the time ; he discharged it in the air as we were walking towards Ruther glen. Does not knew where the Carrs are now. The last meeting of the Association witness attended was about nine or ten years ago. It is about the same time since lie attended a general delegate meeting. About the same time since be attended a Committee meeting of any kind. It is nine or ten years since he last saw an oath administered. It was in John Ewing's, High-street, Glasgow. Does not know, of his own knowledge, that a Secret Committee has existed for the last nine years. Was never longer than two months at a time member of a Committee, and that on two different occasions. The first time was in the year 1817, the second time in 1826, as witness thinks. He has been a delegate in the Associa tion, and was Secretary in 1826 or 1827, being the same time that he was on the Committee. It was the Secret Committee that acted openly. In 1817 all the Committees were secret, the Combination Laws being in existence. These names were known to the trade, and there was no harm in talking of them in the trade. Witness held no office in 1819, except as a member of Finance Committee ; kept no books connected , with the Association at that time. Did not come into office again till 1826. After witness went out of office he had nothing to do with keeping the beoks. Could not swear that any part of the " debt book" is in his hand writing. The book being handed to him, he says it goes back to 1832. H e knows nothing about that book, and never saw it till it was shown him for this inquiry. The book he kept was similar to that, but not so large. Applied for aliment last a fortnight previous to the shooting of Smith. Applied on the ground that his family had been thrown idle by the strike. Was himself lying badly at the time of the strike. It is four years since he was last engaged as a spinner. He was entitled to aliment, as his family was thrown idle. Others got it on that ground in the general strike of 1834. Was refused it in July. Cannot say why he was refused it. It was sent him in August when he was in prison. Witness applied to Thomas Flouter with his card first, and he told him to apply to the officer. Henry Dunn was the man who com municated the refusal. Iles been in gaol the most of the time since, with Moat and others. Has been in gaol before, in Paisley. in 1832 or 1833, he thinks. He was imprisoned for killing a hare. He left cotton spinning because he took badly with reu matism. Witness knows a man named M‘Caffle ; cannot swear he was a member of the Secret Committee. Saw a certificate like that shown him about M'Lean at the time he was a member of Committee in 1826, but none since. If a man were going to England he would get a certificate of that kind signed by the men of the shop. Once granted such a certificate, at least signed it along with the other members of the open Select Committee, in favour of a man with a fictitious name, who had written for it from America. They are usually granted to persons going to England or Ireland, signed by persons in the shop. If a man is going away clear of debt, he can demand it. Knows that Thomas Lochray has a son of the same name. It was the father be mentioned before. Thinks Orr is still about Glasgow, but could not say what mill he is in. Heard of Patterson last about Anderston. Thinks he was not about Mr. Iloulasworth's. The Court adjourned about half-past seven till next day at half-past nine in the morning. THURSDAY. James Murdoch, cotton-spinner—The Court renewed to this witness the assurance of protection. Ha entered the Association of Cotton-spinners at Glasgow in 1816. Had been in the spinning business previous to that time in Linwood, in Renfrcwshire. Came to Glasgow in 1816. Was induced to enter the Association, because he could not have remained in Mr. Hussey's work unless he had done so. Means that there was an Association forming at that time ; and was told that he must join and pay as the others did, else they would do all they could to get him out of the work—he would not be al lowed to keep his wheels. Would be put out of the work by the men using their influence with the masters—telling clashes or the like—in short, making his life uncomfortable. By clashes means reports or false stories. The Association was not general through all the mills at that time, but witness had a good-brother in Hussey's mill, which induced him to prefer it to any other. He joined the Association. On entering an oath was put to him. Does not remember the words ; but it was divided into branches—first a oath of secrecy. There was a Bible used in administering the oath. There were signs used—witness paid little attention to them, but their use was known to the other Members of the Association. It is between nine and ten years since witness was last present at the administration OF an oath, and he considers the oath he then heard and administpred was worse than either of the others. This last oath was worse, because there was something with respect to masters in it that was not in either of the others. A secret Committee was first appointed, according to witness's recollection in 1818. There was a factory started in Broom ward, and the proprietor filled it with women instead of men, and the object of the secret Committee was to get the women put out of it. Mr. Dunlop was proprietor of this mill. The secret Committee had a power exclusive of the general body,and they could not he curtailed by the body. It consisted of three Members ; they were appointed by taking a man's name o u t o f each shop in the trade belonging to the Association. Means each factors'. One of the district or finance Committee went round with - a hat, and lifted these names from each delegate, and put them in his pocket. Then the secret select committee was considered to be on. It was left to the finance committee to take three of their own number, or out of the names in the hat, so that it should not be known to the trade who the three were. When thus appointed the secret committee had the whole power of the whole money belonging to the Association. The trade expected that the secret committee would put these women out of Broomward shop. The first attempt made was to set fire to it. Knows it from the public papers, and from the schedule money paid for it. These schedules were handed through the trade every fortnight, to show the outlay and in come. The money was called colliery. It was a phrase per fectly well known iii the trade. Understands it meant at tempting to burn. The secret committee did not secceed in their attempt to get the women put out of the mill at that time. There were several other acts of violence done under that secret committee. Two men were sent to America at the expense of the trade, that witness considered had com mitted some act of violence. It was a woman's house that was entered in the morning in Calton, in Pollock's Land, and the woman's life was taken. Her name was Macpherson, a widow; and she had a daughter in Mr. Dunlop's mill. The mother's life was taken, as he con sidered, in mistake for the daughter. Could not exactly say what year this was, it might be 1820 or 1821. The two men sent to America were Paton Dunlop and Barney M'Keney. They had been members of the Association. Knows they were sent at the expense of the Association, and saw their names in the schedule, and the money paid for emigration to them. There was a man shot at and wounded, named By the COURT—He first got half-a-crown as aliment, and then five shillings, and then two shillings. That is all witness knows of. Cannot tell if the family has got more since. Re-examined--A member durst not inquire who were mem hers of the Secret Committee, for it was a danger to do so ; and if an inquiry was made, or if any one named them, they would be nobbed. He considered himself imprisoned in August last for protection, not for any offence. Henry Cowan, cotton-spinner, examined by the SOLICITOR GENERAL—Is an operative spinner since 1814. Was connected with mills in Renfrewshire for some time—came to Lanark shire in 1818. Joined the Association at that time. Did not take an oath in Renfrewshire ; when half of it was administered lie drew the handkerchief off his eyes and would not proceed far ther with it. Never took an oath in Lanarkshire. Got quit of the oath by paying IL to the trade. Recollects the last strike in 1837 —was in Hussey's mill at that time. Hussey's mill sent dele gates to the Association on two occasions. John Adams was sent about the middle of May, and stopped a fortnight. Adams resigned, and said he would go back no more. An other was appointed in his place—he was one M`Graw. It was very well known in the trade what was meant by a Secret or Select Committee. It was known, when a Secret Com mittee was appointed, that some person was to be shot, or property destroyed, or vitriol thrown, and that those things required a Select Committee. It is understood in the trade that, when such things are necessary for the interests of the Association, the Select Committee hires persons to do them. Has seen schedules of the expenses of the Association. Has seen the word " colliery" among the charges. This phrase was understood to mean shooting, or wounding, or maiming in some way or o th er . Th e guar ds tried to advise at first. To some they gave drink to intoxicate them, and to some they gave a boating. They were constantly upon duty. One party was relieved about the middle - of the day by another party. A party sometimes went on about three in the morn. ing—were relieved about nine—another relief was at three, and that party continued till the work was dismissed. Some times there were mobbing about Oakbank and Silverburn Mills. Recollects Kiddy being tried for being concerned with these riots, and being catched on guard ; it was agreed that sentence would be delayed if they would take the guard off the mills. At Hussey's shop meeting it was re ported that this agreement had been made. They reported that Mr. Gemmell had stated this in the Hall to them ; and that they had agreed to take off the guard if sentence was delayed. They took off the guards for a day or two, but put them on again. Hussey's shop acquiesced in the resolu tion passed at the Hall. The guards were instructed to keep quieter for some time. Recollects that some combustibles were thrown into Hussey's mill some time in May. One day instructions came to the mill that they should be all into their houses at eight o'clock, and to have proof to that effects This was after the combustibles were thrown. It was quite common for the members to ask each other if they had heard any news—and the answer was—" No, nothing done vet." Expected to hear of some person being shot, or maimed in some way or other, and was surprised at the long delay. Knew a person named Riddell—his name was Thomas Riddell. Re members that Riddell and other four broke into a house where one Donachy was lodging, and took a pistol from him. This was reported next morning as a matter of news. Riddell and others fled at the time. Richard 1114Manus, Thomas M`Caughan, and one Thomson were among them. Riddell was not a joined member of the Association. Three of the others were. They got 3/. He was told so by the person who carried it. Riddell got an aliment when he was idle. Has been a guard himself, and his instructions were to deal with the nobs in the way he has mentioned. One Rosser was serjeant when he was on guard. Was only once guard. Refused always after, and paid fines. Knows the prisoners at the bar—all except M`Lean. Knows they are members of the Association. He has seen them attending meetings I , l‘ Quarrie, before Graham was shot at. That was in the year 18 9 0. There were three different payments made on account of M'Quarrie's shooting. In the schedule the money was entered as strike collieries so much, and several things were put together. This man was proprietor of a mill that struck work at the time. Does not recollect the sum. There were no names in the schedule. Witness was an eye-witness to the shooting. Saw the thing done, and then saw this mentioned in the books. Has reason t o b e li eve th e y were p a id f o r it, because Campbell told him so. It was Campbell who shot Quarrie. Thomas Locbray and James Esdale were present also along with me. Dunagh. and O'Callaghan were with Campbell, and Henry M'Connell. This was in the Green of Glasgow. Dunagh walked two or three steps across the green after the Carrs, and fired a pistol. The shot did not take effect. M'Quarrie came came along the serpentine walk : Stephen Campbell fired a pistol at M'Quarrie. The shot wounded M'Quarrie, but he did not fall. Did not expect this when he went to the green. There was no trial about this matter. It was in the afternoon of the summer season in clear sunshine. M`Quarrie recovered of his wound. Witness gave no informa tion of this matter, because he was afraid of similar conse quences. Campbell was a member of the Association. There might have been an investigation into the shooting M' Quarrie —there seas three hundred pounds of reward offered for information of these and several assaults. Remembers the shooting of one John Graham. About that time was a member of the secret committee of the Association. At that time we acted openly. This was after the shooting of Graham. A dispute took place in the trade about the shoot ing of Graham, and they appointed a committee to act openly to the trade only, so as all the trade might know who was in the trade, that the like shooting might not take place again. Knows that one John Keah was tried for shooting, and was transported for life, and publicly whipped at Glasgow. Knows, as a member of that Committee, that payments were made. A referee of five men was appointed to investigate a claim made by one Daniel Orr. Witness was one of the referees. His claim was, that he was hired, in a house at Barrowfield Toll, along with Kean, Lafferty, and another man, to shoot Graham. He demanded 201. from the Committee of the As sociation for this. The referees ordered him to produce wit nesses to prove that he had been hired. He produced one Thomas Paterson. Cannot say what office Paterson held at the time. The referees were satisfied with the evidence, and awarded Orr the sum. Knows that payments were made to Kean's wife after her husband's trial. She received 12e. a week for eighteen months out of the funds of the Association. Knows that payments were also made to Lafferty wife —she received the same sum f or th e same per i o d . Lafferty was sent to America after he came ou t o f B r id ewe ll . He got e i g ht een months' imprisonment after going to America. Came to know these things as a member of the Committee. Knows that the expenses of Kean's trial were paid by the Association. Graham was shot in 1825, or early in 1826. Remembers a meeting of the Association being held in a hall after Kean's trial ; the purpose of the meeting was to deny the charge that they had ever any concern in things of this nature, such as the shooting of Graham. Remembers a person named M'Did. He was not tried that witness knows of. Knows a payment was made to him of 41. 16s, for maltreatin g a woman named Margaret Banks. It was in 1825 or 1826. Banks was maltreated because she was a nob. Witness remained a member of the select committee for two months, as the com mittee was changed at that time. Knows something of the shooting at the house of a man named Brown. One Walker was accused of that and tried for it ; it was in 1827 ; Walker was a member of the Association. It was proposed to get persons to swear that William Brown had hired persons him self to do it. They did not know then that Walker would plead guilty. When this proposal was made, witness knew that it was false. Knows that Walker was tried, pleaded guilty, and was transported. Remembers the case of Carnie, a spinner. He bad an eye burned out of his head with vitriol. He had been a nob, but was not at that time. Peter Mellon was tried and acquitted. There were four men, Macdonald being one, brought on aliment for the burning of Carnie. The aliment was paid to them for being impeached with that action. Macdonald NI as not tried for it. He received aliment because he fled, on account of that business, to a place called Catrine, in Ayrshire. Knows the prisoners at the bar. Hunter has been a Member of the Association abcut 18 years; Gibb about 12 ; and M'Lean about 10 or 12, to witness's knowledge. There was a strike in April last. Witness was not working at the time. Applied for aliment after the strike, and had occasion to see the mem bers of the supply committee. Hunter was director president of the committee ; could not say whether Hackett was trea surer or clerk ; could not say what office M'Neill filled, but he was a member of Committee ; Gibb was also a member, but could not say what office he filled. M'Lean was not a member of Committee to his knowledge. Has seen M'Lean at the Committee-rooms calling on I-I ickPtt. Witness attended no meetings of the Association after the strike in April. Went to the Committee-rooms to see if they would allow him aliment as others were doing. Did not receive aliment at this time in the month of July last. Had received none before that time. Applied in July, but did not get any till August Does not know that there was a new Committee appointed in August, being in confinement at that time. There is a practice in the Association of giving free lines to members who are clear of debt. They are got from the -shop they work in, signed by three men in the work, members of the Association, who must likewise be clear of debt. The office-bearers have no autho of it. The Witness, in his cross-examination, admitted that he was in prison just now for security. Was in prison before in Glasgow for debt, in 1833. It was not for embezzlement. Mr. Sheriff Alison—Has filled the office of Sheriff for three years. Had his attention called to the strike of the cotton spinners in Glasgow on the Bth of April last, and has been di. rected to it ever since incessantly. For the first fortnight after the strike took place, there was no outrage at all. In the beginning of May, heard of meetings of large bodies of men in different places, and parading the town, and that they were assembling in great numbers at the manufactory at Oakbank, beyond the Cowcaddens. When he first heard of it he was confined to bed; but as soon as he got up, he went out to see what was doing, and sent instructions to Captain Miller to have as large a body of police as possible in attendance. The tu multuous assemblage had taken place some days before he saw them. The first he saw was on the Bth of May. There were, he thinks, about 500 or 600, or perhaps 800, assembled on the road leading to Oakbank. The whole road for some miles was covered with people. As long as he was there himself he saw no assaults on that day. Found about 100 in the Oakbank manufactory itself, armed with large sticks. In consequence of what he saw, he thought it necessary to have military assist ance. Called on all the Magistrates of Glasgow and suburbs, and a proclamation was agreed upon, calling upon the people to be quiet. Knew that about 20 or 30 new hands had been taken in at Oakbank, and saw several of them with blood upon their faces and clothes—at least ten or twelve of them. This was on the Bth of May. The magistrates agreed on the necessity of calling out the military, and he (the Sheriff) went to the Commander of the garrison, and had a consultation there, It was agreed that a squadron of the Lancers should go out to Oakbank, where the Lord Provost was to meet them. From a guard being then kept by the struck workmen at the Sheriff Clerk's Office, he went out to see if there was a similar guard at the Commander of the garrison's house, and found a similar body there. Met the I Lord Provost at three o'clock, and went witO him to Oak bank, where the Lancers had gone; but they found that the assembly had been countermanded. There were people there expecting to see something, but the mob did not come. Identified a proclamation which was issued, warning the people of the danger they were in by joining in riotous acts or assemblages, and the determination of the Magistrates to punish such acts, and to hold all present liable. Gave instructions at Mile-End to endeavour to get hold of some prisoners ; and a man was tried before the Sheriff, and sentenced to three months' imprison ment. Here there was a man named Kiddy tried, who was defended by the agent of the Association, Mr. Gemmell. He was defended with great keenness and ability, but was con victed on clear evidence, and he (the Sheriff) was just going to sentence him to three months' imprisonment in Bridewell, when Mr. Gemmell stated that he was a respectable man, and had been led to commit the acts charged, more from ignorance of the law, than any intention to do wrong ; and that if the prosecutor would not move for sentence, he thought he could persuade the cotton spinners to give up their proceedings alto gether. He agreed to do this, and adjourned proceedings for a week, in the meantime accepting bail for 10/. At the end of the week, Kiddy was again brought up, and Gemmell stated that the Association had agreed to stop the riotous proceedings altogether, if he would not prononnce sentence. There were some other prisoners at the time, and he told them all, that if they behaved quietly all proceedings would he dropped against them ; but if there was any more rioting, sentence would be pronounced against them. Kiddy's trial was on the 22d of May, and he was found guilty. There was an adjournment to the 30th, when the diet was continued till the 6th of Au gust, to give time to carry the proposition into effect. Thinks it would have been impossible to give protection to the public at that time, without at least 100 mounted patrol, independent of all the ordinary force of police. Assaults of individuals, and attempts at fire-raising were common. The persons assaulted were what are called nobs, employed in the cotton mills. There was a report given in of combustibles havin g been thrown into the house of a master cotton spinner. Was perfectly beset with the numerous complaints, and craving protection. On the 23d of July, first heard of a murderous assault against Smith, and saw the reward offered by the masters. Did not hear it officially till the Sunday, when he wrote to the Home Secretary, and got authority to offer the reward that was then advertised. Smith died on the Tuesday following in the In firmary ; and an investigation was immediately began—but some days elapsed. On the 28th, he got information from Mr. Salmond that certain individuals were willing to give in formation, if they were protected from danger. He met the persons in an obscure place in Glasgow, and took their depo sitions. They would not come by any means to the Sheriff's office. Got information that another individual named was to be murdered next day. This was on Friday, and was told the Committee would meet on Saturday. Went to their place of meeting, at the Black Boy Tavern, in Gallowgate. Got a body of 20 policemen, with Captain Miller at their head, and went to the Committee-room exactly at ten at night. This was on the 29th July, and they fortunately got them all together and arrested them all at once. There were some papers in the room where they were sitting, and others in an iron safe in another room. Took possession of all the papers. Was ac companied by Mr. Salmond, Mr. Miller, and Mr. Neish. The police remained outside. Fifteen men were arrested there, and three others were arrested afterwards at the room where the Guard Committee met. The prisoners, excepting M‘Lean, were among those so arrested; they were all taken at the Black Boy. The acts of violence had not been confined to the cot ton-spinners, but were shared by moulders, colliers, and others. But from that day to this there had been no acts of violence committed by any of them. There had been no case reported since which he could trace to combination. There was a pub lic meeting at the Green on the Monday after the arrest, to consider what was to be done in consequence, but the strike terminated within five days of that time, and the mills have been working since as usual. Cross-examined.—There was no mobbing at the meeting in the Green. It was a meeting of all the different trades, at which Dr. Taylor made a speech. It was to consider the distressed situation of the operative tradesmen. Henry Miller is Captain or Superintendent of the Glasgow Police ; corroborated the Sheriff's statements regarding the riotous assemblages at Oakbank, and his sending bodies of police to protect the spinners who were working, and escort them home. Alexander Arthur, cotton-spinner—ls manager of the Adel phi Mill at Hutchesontown. Spinners in his mill struck work in April last, and he took in new hands. After that the mill was watched by the turn-out spinners. The new hands were molested. seemed to have come throegh the window, w! , ; , _th was broken. William Finlaysou is a cloak to Messrs. Hussey—Corro horated the evidence of this witness as to the combustibles found in the yarn-room. David Gray, Edward Thean, and William Fletcher gave corroboratory evidence of an assault. . _ _ Dr. Corkindale—Had seen the combustible articles before spoken to, and made a report upon them, which he read. The report stated that the packages consisted of hemp or flax, covered with pieces of blotting paper and thin pieces of coarse cotton cloth, steeped in a solution of nitre, which made them burn like match paper. The whole mass had been completely soaked in oil of turpentine, and had been on fire, and their construction clearly betrayed a mischievous intent, and would have been capable of setting fire to any highly combustible article they might come in contact with. This report the witness swore to. John Palmer, cotton spinner—Knows William Gordon. The witness described an assault committed upon him by a crowd, and he had to go and come under the protection of the, police. William Gordon—Has been a cotton spinner since 1824. Belonged a considerable time after to the Association. En tered Oakbank factory in May last, when they took in new hands. Had left the Association some time before that. Re ceived ill treatment at Oakbank the first evening that he was there. John Bryson, manager of Mitchell and Co. 's mill, Bridge ton—The spinners in the mill struck in April last, on account of a proposed reduction Of wages. Took in new hands some time after that. Remembers hearing of the death of Smith. Believes it happened on a Saturday night. Being shown a letter, he says it is dated the 24th of July, 1837, addressed to himself. He received it by the post—the post-mark is 24th July. Guards were put on his mill and an adjoining one after the new hands were taken on. They were placed there by the proprietors for security. Cross-examined—Knows the prisoner M'Neil for three or four years. Never knew that he was a dangerous character ; he was always a steady, well-behaved man, as fax as witness knew. The declarations of the prisoner M'Neil were then read. I The first set forth that he was secretary of the Supply Com mittee, but was not aware of the existence of a Guard or Se cret Committee. Knew nothing of the resolution to appoint a persecuting Committee. The second declaration denied that he attended a meeting of delegates, where it was resolved to appoint a Secret Committee, or that he had written any threatening letter to Mr. Arthur. The third was almost en tirely a repetition of the others. Hector Gavin, engraver—Has turned his attention to the differences in handwriting, and has been frequently examined as a witness in Courts of Justice with regard to the identity of handwritings. Being shown the subscriptions to the three declarations, the signature is Richard M'Neil. Has seen also a minute, and declares that the signature in it, " Richard M'Neil," is in the same handwriting as the subscription to the declarations. The whole writing is the same. Being shown the letter to Arthur, dated June 20, declares that the letter is in the same handwriting with the minute and signatures to the declarations. Three letters being put into witnesses hand, he declares that they have been shown him before : two of them bear the signature " Richard M‘Neil." The other is a broken letter, and wants the signature. The two letters bear a considerable resemblance to the other documents, but they appear more disguised than the others, and he could not speak so positively to them. Being shown an entry in the " Aliment Book," declares that it is in the handwriting of the person that wrote the minute of 21st June, and signed the three documents. Another entry in that book to the effect, " The following names have been added by the Guard Committee," is in the same handwriting with the others, as well as a long string of names following this sentence. Identified some more writing in the book as being in the same hand. There are other people's writing in the book besides M`Neill's. [The letters were then read ; they were addressed to Peter Hackett then in England. One of them contained an account of sums paid_ by the Committee, among which was one of 9001. or 10001. paid to the Glasgow Liberator for advocating the cause of the strikes.] Mr. Thomas Clark, engraver, Edinburgh—Has seen the declarations signed Richard M'Neil, and the minute of July 20 ; is of opinion they, as well as the letter, No. 17, shown, are in the same handwriting. Shown letters Nos. 9, 10, 11 ; said he had nut paid particular attention to these, as his atten tion had been directed to the letter dated June 20, No. 17 ; bat the three now shown to him bear a strong resemblance in handwriting to the other documents he has sworn to. Thomas Donaghy, cotton spinner—Was a spinner at the Mile-end cetton factory in July last. Went there during the strike, and was working at reduced wages. His house had -been broken into at night on the 29th of June. Before they came in he heard Caffle say two or three times to let him in till he should tear the nob b—r's guts out. Witness changed his lodgings next day, but went to work, and continues there still. Mary Devan, or Michan, corroborated last witness. James Wood—ls partner of Francis Wood and Co. cotton spinners, Bridgeton. Their workers all left the mill on the strike in April last. His dwelling-house is also in James street, Bridgeton. About six weeks after the strike they took some new workers into the mill. There were then watchers set upon the mill by the turn-out spinners. It was regularly watched by from four to a dozen, from morning to night. Two of the new hands left him, but he does not know the cause. On the night of the eleventh or twelfth of July, a little after twelve o'clock at night, witness was intending to sleep in the parlour, and just as he was going into bed, a canister came in through the window, and it was blazing at one end. The window-blind stopped it from coming far into the roomy Witness caught it before ho got to the ground. It was resting upon the blinds. The train was coming from the top of the canister, out of a hole in the lid. He lifted the window and threw it out. Shut the win dow again, and before he could close the shutters another canister came through the window and struck witness on the breast. It was blazing also. He caught it and threw it•out, and then closed the shutters, but called out for assistance first. Heard voices in the street a little afterwards. About half an hour after he went into the street, and looked for the canisters. He found one of them, b u t not t h e other. Identi fied the canister, which was a cylind r i ca l t i n one, about five inches length and three inches diameter. He took it into the fiscal's office. When he threw the canisters out he heard no explosion ; but he heard plenty of noise without that. Does not recollect if there was anything in the canisters when he threw them out, but both were blazing. Next morning there was no appearance o f a guard at the mill, nor was there any during the day. Does not recollect if they ever came back again. Thomas Blanc, is clerk to Francis Wood and Co.—Re sides in the same street with l ast w i tness. Houses are just oppos i te . While looking out o f hi s window, heard a light which he saw dropping down from M r . W ood ' s house ex plode. It gave a crash like that of a small pistol, and the light scattered. John Ferguson, tinsmith in Stockwell-street—Remembers some persons coming on the aftern oon o f the 12th o f J u l y l ast, to buy cannisters from him. There were three men. They seemed to be workmen. Has not the smallest doubt that the one now shown was one which he sold as described. It bad no bole in the top when he sold it. Does not know any of the three men who bought the canisters. Donald MtKinnon is clerk or warehouseman to Messrs. Hussey and Son—Their factory spins the finer yarns. A strike took place in April, and the spinners left them. Did not take iu any new hands, but stopt spinning. Remembers finding the windows of the factory broken in a morning in May. George Dornock, porter to Messrs. Hussey, was then called —Recollects on a morning about th e end of May, seeing some combustiblein the yarn-room, near the yarn boxes. It The Court adjourned about ten o'clock till the some hour next morning. . . . FRIDAY, JAN. 5. James Smart, Superintendant of Calton Police—Remem bers the time when the members of the Association were ap prehended. Went afterwards with Cunningham to search Hacket's house ; does not recollect the date. It was after these persons were apprehended, perhaps four or five days after ; think it was not more than that. There were some let ters found in his house. By the Court—The letters were found in several parts of the house. Some were found in a table drawer ; others were found in a drawer, in a chest of drawers. Believes the places were open. There were no other places where letters were found. Does not remember the month when he went to Hacket's house. Is sure it was after the apprehension of the cotton-spinners. Thinks it was four or five days after he heard of their apprehension. Heard of their apprehension either that night or next morning. The fact was notorious. Mrs. Hacket and the family were in the house during the search. The papers were all got in the room. The house comprised a room and kitchen. Thinks there was another person with him besides Cunningham during the search, but forgets who he was. [The Lord Justice Clerk recommended this witness, as Superintendent of Police, to be more accurate in his dates in future, when attending on official duty.] Mr. Robertson then objected to the production of the letter, on the ground that there was no proof of the genuineness of the letter; and second, that there was no proof the letter was ever in Hacket's possession. Mr. Shaw Stewart went over the state of the proof as it then stood with regard to the assault on Donaghy ; that they had traced one of the assailants to the neighbourhood of Man chester. This was a prima facie evidence of the connexion of the conspiracy with Manchester. The Court repelled the objection, and the letter was read by the Clerk. David Fleming, criminal officer in the Glasgow Police., stated a variety of particulars relative to the disturbances at Oakbank, during the strike. James Smart being recalled, deponed to distances having taken place at Mile-end Work during the strike in April. George Jeffrey, Superintendent of Police in Gorbals, Glsse gow, gave similar evidence with regard to disturbances at the Adelphi Mills. He had observed guards changing watch ; every thing seemed quite systematic. Margaret Lochrei, or Smith—ls the widow of John Smith, cotton-spinner. He died in July last. Forgets the exact day. He was employed by Mr. Houldsworth in Anderston. Lived in Cheapside-street. There was a strike of the spinners in April last. Her husband worked in Houldsworth's mill after the strike. Remembers going out to make market on a Saturday night along with her husband. Often went to Clyde-street to make market. Went there that night when it was crying eleven. Went to a shop at the head of • Washington-street, and afterwards to a flesher's shop at the head of Clyde-street, along by Anderston-walk. After this went to the shop of John Bayne in Clyde-street. This would . be a quarter or twenty minutes after eleven. After leaving Bayne's shop, went down Clyde-street, towards the Broomib, law, on their way home. Knows Mr. CrosS's shop, and passed it. After passing that shop her husband was shot. She was at his side at the time. The shot came front behind. Her husband fell forward. Witness started, turned round, and saw something like four persons behind her ;. but was much agitated, and her senses almost left her. M‘Lean came out and asked for the loan of a pair of dark gloves. Witness gave him a pair, and asked what he was going to do with them ; he said, " 0 naething," and he put them into his pocket, and went into the room. They sat till it was pretty late. Witness went in and told them it was getting on to twelve o'clock, and they must be going. M'Lean brought back the gloves on Tuesday, and said they were at a house, and, as far as he understood, they were directed to a wrong door; and they rapped at a door and the mistress of the house did not seem willing to open the door ; they put their shoulders to the door, and drove in the pannels. When they went in, he said the wife of the house was on her knees, whit her arms round her husband's neck praying for mercy, and said to him, and the other two individuals with him, for the love of God not to meddle with her husband. The husband spoke out, and said they were directed to the wrong house—to go away ; they would get the door sorted, and there would be no more about it, for he knew what they were wanting. M'Lean told the wit ness this, and added, " No wonder the wife cried, for it was an awfu' like thing to see three awfu' like ruffians like us coming in." On the Tuesday after the murder, M'Lean, Thomas Campbell, and Montgomery, came to his shop about eleven ; the two went into the town, and M'Lean stood in the shop. He said to witness that he had made one b—r sleep. Witness said, " 0 William what is that you are saying ?" He said, pointing to a placard on the opposite side of the street, " D'ye see yen?" " Yes," says witness, "501. reward." " No" said he, "by God, 5001." Witness was agitated by the expression, and did not observe the sum. Catched M'Lean by the breast, and said, " William, for the love of God leave my shop, and make . your escape as quick as pos sible, for you'll be apprehended." He turned about and said, " Oh 1 damn it, there's nae down upon me ; they are after another man to Liverpool." M'Lean then went into the room to the rest, and in a few minutes asked for a light for his pipe ; told him he had no light in the shop, but if ho would go up the back stair he would get light there. When M'Lean was coming out, wit ness was standing at the counter and Nl`Lean put a band in his pocket, and held out the other hand, sayiug " There was the wee paw that did the trick?" He swore an oath, and said, " Little did they think that he had done it." The witness, in the course of her cross-examination, said she did not observe any persons who appeared to be following her or her husband ; and nobody whatever spoke to them on the streets. ier hus band had come home that night when the watchmen were calling past ten. He did not go out again till with herself at eleven. Could not say to within a yard or two the place where her hus band was shot ; brit there were no houses on one side, and the kirk was on the other. Pointed out the spot, as far as she could remember, to several gentlemen who went with her to the place. Peter M'lntosh, land-surveyor, Glasgow, identified a plan he had made of Cydo.street, Anderston and adjoining streets. Witness described the locality. The distance between the top of Clyde-street and the Saltmarket is fully one mile. Saltmarket is above a quarter of a mile in length. For the pannels—Placed the distance between Cameron's shop, in the Saltmarket, and the wood-yards in Clyde-street, found the distance to be one mile and 192 yards, by the nearest way of gring. From M.llwraith's shop, in Bridgegate-street to the vsood-yard is 1,712 yards. Th defences were then read, which stated that no very pre cise hour had been named by the prosecutor when the murder was committed, and that the defenders were at various dis tances fr,an the spot at the time libelled. Dr. M'Nlichan Pagan is one of the medical officers in the Glasgow Infirmary. Remembers John Smith being brought there, from wounds he had received by a shot. It was early in the morning of the 23d of July, on a Sunday. He was shot in the back and right arm. Every attention was paid to him till he died, on Tuesday morning. Possessed a post mor tem report on his body, which described the nature of the wounds that had caused his death. There was only one bullet foand in the body, but another had passed through his arm. Identified the bullet, Received two bullets from Mr. Salmond, the Fiscal, which he examined, with reference to the flattened one found in the body. Weighed them, and found those he received from Mr. Sal mond, within a few grains of the weight of that taken out of the body. Is aware that a leaden bullet loses in weight when shot off. The one in the body was 152 grains, the other was heavier a little. The Clerk then read the deposition of John Smith, which stated that the deceased and his wife had been buying articles of grocery, when he was shot from behind—that he had no suspicion of any one shooting him ; and that he was convinced the old spinners would have injured him if they could. Robert Christie—ls a cotton-spinner, and has been so for about nine years. Was a member of the Association, having been admitted about nine years ago. He left off being a cot ton-spinner about three weeks before the strike last spring, and kept a public-house. Recollects the night Smith was murdered. Some time before that, M'Lean was in witness's house—he was in the habit of coming there. Recollect; having a conversation with M'Lean about Arthur, shortly before the murder of Smith. M'Lean had been in wit ness's house. The strike had lasted a good while then. M'Lean came into witness's shop, and said he was going, like as it was an errand ta the other side of the water. Witness said to, him, if he would wait a few mini , :tes, he was going close to his shop, as it was late at night, a nd he would accompany him. M'Lean waited, and witness closed his shop, when they went on together. Before they came to Stl Andrew's-square, he spoke several times concerning Mr. Arthur. Witriess did not understand at first what he was meaning ; but when they came to the square, he said he was going directly across the water to death Mr. Arthur. Witness trembled when he heard the words expressed, and began to flatter with him—to try to put him off the notion. He an swered that he was determined to do it ; and then he gave a little stagger to one side, put is hand in his pocket, and said it was here that would do it. It was his coat pocket. Wit ness saw that he was rather persuaded, and persisted the more on that account. 11 , : , at last promised that he would go home- Believed that M•Lean vas the murderer of Smith, but did not give information against him in Loadon. He cannot give a reason for this. It would have been a bad job for him if h e hid not done so, as M'Lean might have perhaps done him evil again though he believed he was in perfect safety in Lon don.